Apparatus for the continuous casting of metals

ABSTRACT

AN APPARATUS OR THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF METALS WHEREIN AN INTERMEDIATE LADLE IS PROVIDED BETWEEN A CASTING LADLE AND A CASTING MOLD TO TRANSFER MOLTEN METAL FROM THE FORMER TO THE LATTER. THE INTERMEDIATE LADLE IS SWINGABLE ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS TO AND FROM AN OPERATIVE POSITION AND IS TILTABLE ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS TO AND FROM A CHECKING AND EMPTYING POSITION.

Jan, 26, 1971 Filed March 8, 1968 K. BICK ET APPARATUS FOR THECONTINUOUS CASTING OF- METALS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 FKM , INVENTOR 5. 2 1/1 7.KLAUs B\CK BERNHARD TINNES ATTORNEYS.

K. BICK E AL 3,558,256

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APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF METALS Filed March a, 1968 vSheets-Sheet a INVENTOR .5.

KLAUS BICK BERNHARD TINNES wow/ 4 W,

ATTOR NEY5.

Jan. 26, BICK ET AL 3,558,256

APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF METALS Filed March 8, 1968 ,7Sheets-Sheet HUHWHHH INVEN ORS- KLAU BCK BERNH'ARD TNNES BY I I FIG.

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APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF METALS Filed March a, 1968 7Sheets-Sheet 5 Tfl svllllllll & I m

L[ x 9 N W1 INVENTOR5.

KLAUS BICK BERNHARD TINN ES ATTORNEYS Jan. 26,1971 B ETTAL 3,558,256

' Q APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS CASTING METALS Filed March 8, 1968 7Sheets-Sheet 6 1N VENTOR S.

HG; 0. Runs BlCK BERNHARD T|NNES ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 26, 1971'. c ETAL 3,558,256

APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF METALS Filed March s; 1968 i '7Sheets-Sheet '7 He. u y

INVENTOR S.

KLAUS BICK BERNHARD TlNNES MaDW/QU ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent Ofice U.S. Cl. 164-281 26 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE An apparatus for the continuous casting of metals wherein anintermediate ladle is provided between a casting ladle and a castingmold to transfer molten metal from the former to the latter. Theintermediate ladle is swingable about a vertical axis to and from anoperative position and is tiltable about a horizontal axis to and from achecking and emptying position.

This is a continuation-in-part of applicants U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 497,342, filed Oct. 18, 1965, now Pat. No. 3,433,288, andapplicants U.S. patent application Ser. No. 497,343, filed Oct. 18,1965, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the uninterruptedcontinuous casting of steel or nonferrous metals in which the pouring ofthe molten metal into the mold is performed through the intermediary ofa ladle.

In the known apparatus of this kind the molten metal must follow arather long path in moving from the casting ladle to the mold. Thisfactor means that the stream of molten metal is exposed to theatmosphere and thereby to the damaging efiects of oxidation for arelatively long period. Furthermore, a relatively high meltingtemperature is necessary, with the corresponding increased dissolving ofthe oxygen in the steel, in order to allow for.

the longer flow path.

The disadvantages of the present equipment for the uninterruptedcontinuous casting of steel and non-ferrous metals, wherein the pouringof the molten metal into the mold occurs through the intermediary of aladle, are overcome according to the invention at least is in part bythe utilization of at least two casting ladles and two intermediateladles per line, each of the latter being brought into the castingposition alternately by being swung about an axis parallel to that ofthe stream of metal from the ladle. The intermediate ladles additionallyare made capable of tilting with displacement about a horizontal pivotpoint. In this tilting construction, the path for the movement of theupper periphery of the vessel extends in or below the plane determinedby its operative position. By the invention, in addition to avoid-.

ing the drawbacks mentioned above, the advantage is gained that thecontinuity of casting is increased and the opportunities for slaginclusions and reactions with the linings and cover slags is reduced.Furthermore, an improved use of protective gas effects may beefiiciently Patented Jan. 26, 1971 achieved. The latter actsparticularly favorably in conjunction with the other advantages it themolten metal has previously been subjected to a vacuum treatment.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filling 5 opening of themold is placed in direct engagement with the outlet of the intermediateladle. This serves to improve the above-mentioned advantageouscharacteristics of the invention. In the same manner, the inventiveconstruction uses a casting ladle having controllable bottom discharge.The intermediate ladle is constructed with such a capacity that, onchanging over of the casting ladles, the flow of steel to the mold isentirely maintained to achieve the above-mentioned desirable advantages.

A further feature of the invention is to provide a cover which coversthe intermediate ladle in its casting position and remains fixed duringall operative positions of the intermediate ladle. The cover has afilling opening and serves to protect the contents of the intermediateladle against oxidation and against the loss of heat by radiation. Thepreviously mentioned tilting movement of the intermediate ladle canadvantageously be arranged, according to an additional feature of theinvention, with provision for halting the intermediate ladle in at least2 three stop positions whereby checking or filling can be carried outwithout loss of molten metal and the ladle may also be emptied of slag.

More than one intermediate ladle can be provided in the event repair orpreventive maintenance is required on a particular intermediate ladle.In this case the intermediate ladles may be pivotally mounted onvertical supports which permit them to be completely removed from theoperative position and replaced by another without interrupting thecasting operations. An independent guide system is provided for eachintermediate ladle support on the same vertical support. Also, theladles may be interchanged by providing an endless or straight track onwhich the ladles are movably mounted.

The casting ladles are provided with a single automatically operativecover provided with a heating burner. Individual covers, withcorresponding burners for each casting ladle, are eliminated therebyelfecting a reduction in total cost of the equipment. The use of asingle cover can be achieved in a relatively simple manner if thecasting ladles are movable into and out of the operative position bymeans of track-mounted carriages.

Means are also provided for placing an atmosphere of protective gasaroundthe stream of molten metal flowing from the casting ladle to theintermediate ladle and from the intermediate ladle to the mold.

- If the equipment is provided for continuous casting in at least twoadjacent parallel lines of molds, this may be effected, according to theinvention, by the use of casting ladles which are provided withcontrollable bottom discharge means to distribute the molten metal intothe individual intermediate ladles without the use of an additionaldistributing means. In this manner, continuous casting operations may beachieved. Furthermore, the intercan be achieved. Thus, the surface areaof molten metal mediate ladles may be constructed. for further simulsexposed to the atmosphere is substantially reduced, as compared to theknown equipment. This naturally stands in good stead for economy in theprotective gas covering, which may be provided within the scope of theinvention.

The means by which the foregoing features and other advantages, whichwill be apparent to those skilled in the art, are accomplished, are setforth in the following specification and claims, and are illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, wherein the invention is illustrated in anembodiment by way of example, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a portion ofthe structure utilized in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an intermediate ladle with twooutlet means, and two casting molds with two corresponding inlets;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing a single outlet-inletarrangement, and including a device for protecting the flow of metaltherebetween;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an intermediate ladle and acarrier assembly for the ladle;

FIG. 5A is an end elevation of the ladle carrier assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the structure of FIGS. 5 and 5A shown in anassembled condition;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the ladle carrier assembly showingthe hydraulic cylinder arrangement for tilting the ladle, taken alongline 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the roller track arrangement forpermitting tilting movement of an intermediate ladle;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention forpermitting the intermediate ladles to be moved to and from a positionabove the corresponding casting mold in a horizontal plane andadditionally to and from the pouring position in a vertical plane;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but showing another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view partially in section, showing theentire casting operation, utilizing the structure of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of theapparatus of FIG. 11.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 refers to acasting ladle from which molten metal flows through an intermediateladle 2 into a casting mold 3 from which an endless metal bar 4 passes.Although only one casting ladle 1 is shown, it is understood that morethan one can be provided, as will be explained in greater detail later.

Each casting ladle 1 comprises a metal casing 5 and a lining 6 ofrefractory material, and is provided with a controllable bottomdischarge device 7 having a hydraulic rarn or cylinder 8 cooperatingtherewith and fixed with its flange 9 at the bottom of ladle 1, thisdischarge means 7 being described in greater detail later.

The intermediate ladle 2 is covered in its pouring or casting position,shown in full lines, by a cover 10 which is fixed with respect to ladle1 and thus remains in the position shown in FIG. 1 regardless of theposition of ladle 2. Cover 10 is provided with a channel 11 connected toa conduit 12 for the supply of an inert gas to the area above the moltenmetal in ladle 2, to reduce oxidation of the metal while ladle 2 isbeing charged.

A bellows 14 for protection of the stream of molten metal flowing fromladle 2 into the mold 3 is disposed between the discharge opening ofladle 2 and the mold 3, this arrangement being described in detaillater.

FIG. 2 shows the controllable bottom discharge device 7 of FIG. 1, in alarger scale and at a right angle to the view of FIG. 1, with anadditional protective device for the molten metal being provided.Specifically, control device 7 comprises an outlet orifice 15 ofrefractory material inserted into lining 6. An orifice insert 16, alsoof refractory material, is inserted in the outlet end of orifice 15.Disposed at the sides of orifice insert 16 and attached to the bottomwall of ladle 1 are two parallel flanged members 17 which support aplate 20 by means of a plurality of screws 18, nuts 19, and compressionsprings 21 disposed about the screws.

Plate 20 is urged upwardly by the compression springs 21, and defines aslot 20a which acts as a guide for a sliding carriage 22. This carriageis connected by a piston rod 23' (FIG. 1) to the hydraulic ram orcylinder 8, and supports an orifice member 23 of refractory material,which is resiliently but firmly held against insert 16. By use of thecylinder 8, the carriage 22 is slidable on plate 20 and serves toselectively and controlably align all or any portion of hole of member23 with the stationary hole 24 of member 16 according to the quantity ofmolten metal desired to flow out from ladle 1 into ladle 2.

An additional device for protection of the stream of molten metalflowing out from ladle 1 into ladle 2 may be provided between cover 10and plate 20. This device is in the form of two metallic cylinders 26telescoping with respect to each other and secured to cover 10. Thespace confined by the cylinders is filled with inert gas issuing fromladle 2 through hole 13. Due to these slidable and telescopic mountings,all possible variations in distances between ladle 1, cover 10, plate20, and their communicating holes, may be accommodated.

FIG. 3 is a cross section through an intermediate ladle 2 adapted forpouring molten metal into two molds 3 at the same time, as shown. Twoout flow stones 28 are provided, along with two devices 14 forprotection of the molten metal flowing from ladle 2 into the molds 3.Each device 14 comprises an annular body 29 provided with a circularchannel 30 connected by a channel 31 to a conduit 32 for supply of aninert gas. Channel 30 is also connected through a plurality of radialchannels 33 with the interior of molds 3. Thus an inert, protectiveatmosphere is maintained in the molds 3 around the molten metal comingfrom ladle 2.

FIG. 4 depicts an arrangement utilizing a single mold 3 and including aprotective device 14 similar to that described in FIG. 3 above, alongwith an additional protective device in the form of a metallic bellows27 arranged between mold 3 and protective device 14.

It is emphasized that the bellows 27 may be used instead of cylinders 26between ladle 1 and cover 10, as described in conjunction with FIG. 2.Conversely, cylinders 26 may be used instead of bellows 27 between mold3 and protective means 14.

In the event it is desired to replace an intermediate ladle 2 for repairor maintenance without interrupting the flow of molten metal, means canbe provided to rotatably support two or more intermediate ladles so thatthey can easily be moved to and from an operative position. Such anassembly is shown in FIGS. 5-8.

Specifically, a vertical shaft 34 is provided, on which two intermediateladle carrier assemblies 35 are pivotably mounted. Since carrierassemblies 35 are of the same construction, only one is shown in detail.Each carrier assembly 35 is provided with a horizontal shaft 36rotatably mounted in two bearing blocks 37 fixed to the interior of thebottom 35a of carrier housing 35h. Two parallel arms 38 are fixed toshaft 36 between blocks 37, the free ends of arms 38 being pivotallyconnected to the piston rod 39 of a hydraulic cylinder 40 at 39a. Thepiston rod 42 of a second hydraulic cylinder 41 is axially aligned withan attached to the top of cylinder 40, and the second unit 41 ispivotally connected to the interior of the upper wall 35b of carrier 35at 41a, as shown in FIG. 7. The hydraulic cylinders are actuated by anysuitable pressurized fluid means.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, shaft 36 projects out through the end wall35c of carrier 35 and an arm 43 is keyed to the projecting end of shaft36.

Each carrier 35 is provided with a stud 44 parallel to shaft 3.6 andprojecting from a lug 45 extending from a side of the end wall 350 ofcarrier 35, arm 46 being pivotally mounted on stud 44.

A ladle support bar 47 is also provided, which has transversal bores 48extending therethrough, and a short trunnion 49 integrally formed onopposite ends thereof, which trunnions are in axial alignment. The arms43, 46 are arranged with their free ends extending within a rectangularopening 50 in the bar 47, as best seen in FIGS. A and 6, and areconnected to the latter by pins 51 extending through the bores 48 of bar47, and the bores 52 provided at the free ends of arms 43, 46, so thatarms 43, 46 may be pivoted with respect to bar 47.

The intermediate ladle 2 is provided with two hooklike members 53 withrecesses 54, which engage with the trunnions 49 to mount ladle 2 withrespect to bar 47. Ladle 2 has a plate 55 fixed at the outer surface ofits wall which abuts against the hemispherical end of a screw 56extending through a threaded hole in stud 44. Screw 56 has a square endportion 57 for accommodating a wrench or the like for adjusting theposition of ladle 2 with respect to carrier assembly 35.

Upon operation of hydraulic cylinders 40 and 41, arms 38, shaft 36, andarm 43 rotate, causing intermediate ladle 2 to tilt and translate to thepositions A and B shown by phantom lines in FIG. 1. Specifically, whenonly one cylinder is actuated, the ladle 2 assumes the position A, andwhen both cylinders are actuated, position B is achieved. Reversing theprocedure returns the ladle to its original horizontal position.

Also, if one intermediate ladle 2 is damaged or requires repair, itscorresponding carrier assembly 35 may be rotated about shaft 34 fromposition D in FIG. 5 to position D and vice versa, a second ladle 2 alsobeing movable in a reverse sequence.

An alternate arrangement for effecting the above tilting movement of theintermediate ladle is depicted in FIG. 8. Specifically, a pair of guiderails 62 and 63 are provided which are supported by external means (notshown) and which provide guiding support for a pair of rollers 64 and*65 disposed on ladle 2. As shown, when ladle 2 assumes positions A andB, roller 64 assumes positions 64a and 64b, respectively, and roller 65assumes positions 65a and 65b, respectively.

FIG. 9 depicts an arrangementdn which the intermediate ladle 2 may betilted in the manner shown in FIG. 8, Le, by the rollers and guidingrails, while providing an alternate arrangement for substituting anotherladle for a given ladle without interrupting the how of molten metal.Specifically, a circular endless track is provided which comprises twoparallel rails 58, on which two cars or trucks 59a and 59b are adaptedto run. Each car or truck comprises a bottom wall 60, a pairof sidewalls 61, and a plurality of wheels (not shown) which engage rails 58.Each side wall 61 is provided with two guiding rails 62, 63 similar tothose shown in FIG. 8.

An intermediate ladle 2 is inserted in each truck or car, each ladlebeing provided at each side with two rollers 64 and 65, similar to thoseshown in FIG. 8, rollers 64 running on rails 62, and rollers 65 runningon rails 63. Means similar to the hydraulic cylinder units 40, 41 (FIGS.5-7) are provided to move cars 59 on rails 58 to and from the positionsof FIG. 9. For example, the intermediate ladle 2 carried by car 59a,shown in the upper portion of FIG. 9, can be in a casting positionindicated by letter C, while the ladle carried by car 59b, shown in thelower portion of FIG. 9, may be in a waiting position D. Of course, ifinterchangement is necessary, car 59b is removed to position C, whilecar 59a is moved to position D.

FIG. depicts an arrangement similar to FIG. 9, but utilizing a straighttrack arrangement rather than an endless track. Particularly, the rails58 extend from a first waiting position D to a second waiting position Dthe casting position C being located between D and D As in theembodiment of FIG. 9, two cars or trucks 59a and 59b are provided.Assuming that car 59a is in position D and car 59b in position C, asubstitution of cars and their respective ladles 2 is effected by movingcar 59b from position C to positioin D and moving car 59a from positionD to position C. Therefore, the embodiment of FIG. 10 differs only fromthat of FIG. 9 by the fact that straight rails are provided instead ofcircular rails, and two waiting positions are necessary instead of one.

A general description of the above-described apparatus in operation willnow be described in connection with FIGS. 11 and 12.

As shown, a framework 81 is provided which forms a support for platform82 on which is mounted a support structure 83 for a pair of traverserails 86 forming a support for the movable casting ladles 1a and 1b.These ladles are mounted on a rail-mounted carriage 87 which providesmeans to alternatively bring the ladies into the operative position, asingle cover 88 being provided for the two ladles 1a and 1b, which coveris positioned on the ladle in the casting position (ladle 1a in FIG.11). A heating burner 89 may be provided in the cover 88.

The molten metal contained in ladle 1a flows through the controllableoutlet 7 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in the bottom of the ladle, through aninlet opening 13 in the cover 10 of the intermediate ladle 2. Ladle 2can be swung out of the operative casting position C shown in thedrawings, about a vertical axis parallel to that of the stream of metalfrom the ladle, in the event the ladle needs replacement, by meansdescribed in FIGS. 5-7, 9, or 10. As an addition to, or alternative to,the abovementioned movement of the intermediate ladle, it may also bemounted to tilt about a horizontal pivot point by utilizing thepiston-cylinder units 40 and 41 of FIGS. 57, or by the arrangement ofFIG. 8. During the tilting movement, the path of movement of the upperperiphery of the intermediate ladle is arranged to be in or below aplane determined by the operative casting position, and the ladle ismoved from the operative position C to a checking or filling position Aand to an emptying position B. In the latter position the residue of thecasting metal is emptied into a slag ladle 100.

The molten metal flows through outlet 28 of the intermediate ladle 2directly into an adjacent filling opening 104 of the mold 3, which issupported on the platform 2, it being understood that one of the devicesdescribed above for protection of the flow of molten metal from the airmay be utilized.

A secondary cooling element 117 and a driving roller frame 119 aremounted on a second platform 118 which is attached to the supportingframe 81 beneath platform 82. The cast metal 120 which has solidifiedduring passage through the cooling element 117 is bent by the device 121and passes through a chute 122 to the entry end of the straighteningrollers 123 and is separated by the cutting device 124.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged vertical section perpendicular to FIG. 11 andillustrates a two-line casting arrangement, with identical componentsbeing utilized in each operation.

Specifically, the intermediate ladles 2' and 2" are mounted on carrierassemblies 35" and 35 which are in turn pivotally mounted on verticalpivot means 34' and 34", respectively. As discussed in detail earlier,these pivotal carrier assemblies make it possible to quickly and easilyremove the ladles from the operative position in the event repair ormaintenance is required.

Also, additional carrying assemblies carrying additional or substituteintermediate ladles 2 and 2" are pivotally mounted on pivot means 34 and34".

It is apparent from the above that the avoidance of exposed stretches ofmolten metal is achieved due to the substantially reduced verticalseparation of the cooperating components. Also, the other advantagesdiscussed in detail above are made possible by the continuity of thecasting process achieved by the rapid interchangeability of the castingladles and the intermediate ladles.

Of course, othe variations of the specific construction and arrangementof this type apparatus herein disclosed can be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for the continuous casting of molten steel ornon-ferrous metals, comprising at least one casting ladle, a castingmold spaced from said casting ladle, at least one intermediate ladle,first mounting means mounting said intermediate ladle for movement in afirst plane to and from a position whereby said intermediate ladleextends between said casting mold and said casting ladle, and a secondmounting means mounting said intermediate ladle for movement in a secondplane relative to sail casting mold and said casting ladle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein there are two intermediate ladlesprovided, said first mounting means permitting selective movement ofsaid ladles to and from said position.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first mounting means comprisesa track, and a pair of vehicles mounted on said track for movement toand from said position, each of said ladles being carried by acorresponding vehicle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said track is circular.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said track is straight.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first'mounting means comprisesa vertical shaft, and a carrier member for each intermediate ladle, saidcarrier member being mounted for swinging movement about said shaft.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said second mounting meanscomprises a hydraulic cylinder assembly carried by said carrier member,and means operatively connecting said intermediate ladle to saidhydraulic cylinder assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second mounting meanscomprises a pair of tracks, and a pair of rollers mounted on saidintermediate ladle and engaging said tracks.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said casting ladle is provided witha controllable bottom discharge opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover having aheating burner therein to cover the casting ladle.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for placing anatmosphere of protective gas around the exposed portion of molten metalpassing between said casting ladle and said intermediate ladle, andbetween. said intermediate ladle and said mold.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the casting is performed in atleast two adjacent lines, each line comprising at least one mold and oneintermediate ladle, a common casting ladle said casting ladle and saidintermediate ladles being provided with controllable bottom dischargemeans by which the distribution of the molten metal to the individualintermediate ladies and molds, respectively, is achieved.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, in which means are provided in the bottomof each of said intermediate ladles for the distribution of molten metalto several molds in a single operation.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein means are provided for placing anatmosphere of protective gas around the exposed portion of molten metalpassing between said casting ladles and said intermediate ladles, andbetween said intermediate ladles and said mold.

15. An apparatus for the continuous casting of molten steel ornon-ferrous metals, comprising at least one mold, a frame extending oversaid mold, a first platform on said frame, track means and verticalpivot means mounted on said platform, a carriage movably mounted on saidtrack means, at least two casting ladles mounted on said carriage, atleast one intermediate ladle mounted on said vertical pivot means forpouring the molten metal from said casting ladles to said mold, meansfor moving said carriage and said casting ladles to alternately take upan operative pouring position, means for swinging said intermediateladles into an operative position about the vertical pivot means theaxis of which is parallel with that of the molten stream from each ofsaid intermediate ladles, means for tilting displacing said intermediateladles, the path of said tilting displacement of the upper periphery ofthe intermediate ladle lying below a plane determined by the upperperiphery of said intermediate ladle in its operative position.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, in which an outlet of said intermediateladle engages directly with a filling opening of said mold, said moldbeing supported on a second platform mounted on said frame below saidfirst platform.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, in which the casting ladles are providedwith controllable bottom discharge openings.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, in which the capacity of the intermediateladles is such that on changeover of the casting ladles the flow ofmolten metal to the mold is maintained.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a cover having afilling opening therein for each of said intermediate ladles, said coverremaining fixed in all operative positions of said intermediate ladles.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising means for halting thetilting displacement of the intermediate ladles in at least threepositions.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, in which each intermediate ladle isindependently pivotally mounted on said vertical pivot means.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, in which a single cover having a heatingburner therein is provided to cover the casting ladle in the operativeposition.

23. The apparatus of claim 15, in which the casting is performed in atleast two adjacent lines, each said line comprising at least one mold,and one intermediate ladle, a common casting ladle said casting ladleand said intermediate ladles being provided with controllable bottomdischarge means by which the distribution of the molten metal to theindividual intermediate ladles and molds, respectively, is achieved.

24. The apparatus of claim 15, in which means are provided in the bottomof each of said intermediate ladles for the distribution of molten metalto several molds in a single operation.

25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein means are provided for placing anatmosphere of protective gas around the exposed portion of molten metalpassing between said casting ladles and said intermediate ladles, andbetween said intermediate ladies and said mold.

26. An apparatus for the uninterrupted casting of steel or non-ferrousmetals, said apparatus comprising a frame, mold means fixedly mounted onsaid frame, a platform mounted on said frame above said mold means,track means on said platform, a carriage movably mounted on said trackmeans, at least two adjacent casting ladles mounted on said carriage, atleast two intermediate ladles pivotally mounted on said platform forhorizontal movement about an axis parallel with that of the stream ofmolten metal, means for alternately positioning said casting ladles andsaid intermediate ladles in an operative pouring position, means fordischarging said molten metal from the bottom of said casting ladle tosaid intermediate ladles, and means for discharging said molten metalfrom the bottom of said intermediate ladle FOREIGN PATENTS directly intoSaid mold means. 527 9 7 195 Canada 1 4 231 References Cited 1,158,65612/1963 Germany 26633 UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 J. SPENCER OVERHOLSER,Primary Examiner 3,174,200 3/1965 Keel et a1. 16466 R. S. ANNEAR,Assistant Examiner 3,203,689 8/1965 Hallowell 26638X U S C1 XR 3,218,68211/1965 Namy 164337 164 337 3,273,208 9/1966 Greenberger 164337X3,433,288 3/1969 Bick et a1. 164-337X 10

